Skudai City Guide

Local dishes are everywhere—laksa, mee rebus, and nasi lemak are favorites. International food is common too, mostly near the university. Vegetarian and vegan places are growing, mainly in Indian or Chinese spots.

Nightlife is quiet. You’ll find late-night cafes and some pubs, but bars and clubs are rare. For more action, head into Johor Bahru.

Coffee culture is a mix of local kopitiams and newer specialty shops, especially near the university. Modern cafes are growing.

Tipping isn’t expected. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge. You can round up for taxis and give small tips for great service.

SIM cards are easy to get at airports, mobile stores, or convenience shops. Maxis, Celcom, Digi and U Mobile are the main providers. Bring a passport for registration. eSIM is available from some providers.

Streets are fairly clean, but you’ll see some litter in busy areas. Recycling exists but isn't widespread.

Only a few places stay open all night, like some 7-Eleven stores and mamak stalls. Late-night clinics and pharmacies are rare.

Big supermarkets have local and international foods. Fresh markets are pricier for produce, and bargaining happens only at markets, not at supermarkets.

Most big shops and restaurants accept cards or e-wallets, but cash is still needed for smaller markets and hawker stalls.

ATMs are at all major malls, petrol stations, and banks. International withdrawal fees apply, mostly set by your home bank.

International schools are in Johor Bahru, 20–40 minutes from Skudai. Many teach in English. Applications may have assessments or waiting lists.

There’s a small nomad scene in Skudai, with more activity in central Johor Bahru. Most networking happens at co-working spaces or meetups in JB.

Main parks are in town and the UTM campus. They’re good for walking, exercise, and outdoor escape from the city noise.

Parks like Hutan Bandar MPJBT and the UTM campus are the main spots for running. Conditions are good except during haze season.

Gyms are around, including 24/7 chain branches in Skudai and nearby malls.

Tennis courts are available at sports complexes and private clubs in Skudai and Johor Bahru. Booking policies vary.

Padel is rare but starting to appear in big cities, not common in Skudai yet.

Yoga studios can be found in Skudai and Johor Bahru. English-speaking teachers are available in most larger studios.

Facilities offer taekwondo, karate, and some self-defense. More international styles like BJJ and Muay Thai are available in Johor Bahru.

No skiing in Malaysia.

Some water sports, like kayaking, are possible at Desaru and select resorts.

No surfing near Skudai. The closest real surf is hours away on the east coast.

No dive sites near Skudai. East coast islands like Tioman or Perhentian, or Borneo, offer better options.

Clinics and some hospitals with English-speaking staff are nearby in Johor Bahru. Both public and private care is accessible, but private clinics are faster. Pharmacies are easy to find and stock common medicines.

Tap water is treated, but most people boil or filter it before drinking. Bottled water is widely sold.

Skudai has parks and some family spaces, but big shopping malls in Johor Bahru have more for kids. Essentials for families are easy to find.

Malaysia has conservative laws on LGBTQ+ issues. Public affection is not advised. Dedicated spaces or events are not visible.

Some places allow pets but check before booking. Vets are around, but pet-friendly parks and rentals are limited. Malaysia has import rules for pets.